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Nestled in the natural lap of bursting mountains, Carbondale, Illinois, offers an otherworldly mixture of natural beauty and culture that appeals to travellers. Welcoming tourists with open arms and with the presence of a thriving local community, the best things to do in Carbondale, IL, hover in the domain of relaxation with a sense of being engaged. Whether high on the agenda are outdoor surroundings, diverse events, or an engaging arts scene, there is something in Carbondale for everyone. Outdoor recreation, local character, and varied experiences correlate to the essence of southern Illinois.
Top 10 Things To Do In Carbondale, IL
Below is a list of the best things to do in Carbondale, Illinois, offering a variety of attractions, from cultural venues to outdoor spots.
1. Visit The University Museum At SIU
Photo: Rode raaf / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Based on its location at Southern Illinois University, the University Museum is a cultural and educational attraction of the town. The museum maintains over 60,000 objects in its permanent collection from various disciplines, such as art, history, anthropology, and ethnography. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions that range in focus from regional history to world cultures and contemporary art, so you can expect something new with every trip. Educational outreach is offered across age groups in the form of lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum is a part of the College of Liberal Arts that serves as a community engagement and intellectual development engine.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Monday to Friday)
2. Visit The African American Museum Of Southern Illinois
Photo: Almonroth / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The African American Museum of Southern Illinois is located inside the University Mall in Carbondale and recognises and celebrates contributions made by African Americans to the region. Established in 1997, the museum provides exhibits that narrate Black history based on photographs, artefacts, oral histories, and other interactive displays. One part of the museum highlights achievements and the cultural legacy of African Americans in southern Illinois and beyond, covering themes such as education, civil rights, military service, and local leaders. The museum hosts a number of events, lectures, and special exhibits to mark Black History Month and Juneteenth.
Timings: 1 PM – 5 PM (Wednesday to Saturday)
3. Watch A Performance At Shryock Auditorium
Photo: Bradley Furlow / Wikimedia Commons
Shryock Auditorium is one of the historic performing spaces located on the SIU Carbondale campus. It was built in 1918 and named after SIU’s fifth president, Henry W. Shryock. The structure is renowned for its architectural wonder, Ionic columns, and domed ceiling. The auditorium houses over 1,200 people and caters for an array of cultural events, from student productions and orchestra performances to giving venues for nationally touring shows and lectures to community events. Shryock has regular usage by the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra and is active in showcasing a lot of dance performances, jazz series concerts, and guest speakers.
Timings: Varies
4. Explore The Historic Town Square
Photo: Tadeáš Gregor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Carbondale Historic Town Square- the heart of the downtown in such a way that it combines small town simplicity into an urban, definite-living town-like scene. Main Street and Illinois Avenue contain features of locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafes. There would normally be some holiday parades or places where art walks take place that would celebrate seasonal events, such as music festivals at the Square, making it a really lively spot for both residents and tourists alike. Everything from thrift stores and vinyl record shops to local artisan boutiques and bakeries can be found here.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
5. Unwind At The Evergreen Park
Photo: Anna Frodesiak / Wikimedia Commons
Evergreen Park is an adored city park located just off West Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale. The park is equipped with paved walking paths, picnic shelters, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and open fields in plenty. Evergreen Park is the parade staging area for Carbondale’s annual Lights Fantastic Parade, along with community events throughout the year. Nice shady resting areas alongside a lake, where waterfowl dabble about, ensure Evergreen Park is a casual place for walking, family fun, or relaxing on an afternoon away from home.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
6. Visit The Science Center Of Southern Illinois
Photo: David Yu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Southern Illinois Science Centre is an interactive museum housed in University Mall that inspires children’s curiosity and creativity through experiential learning. It presents various exhibits in physics, biology, technology, and engineering that invite playful exploration. Interactive fun includes sensory tables, building zones, water experimentation, and science-based puzzles. The centre regularly turns its exhibits for newness and relevance, besides offering science camps, birthday parties, and educational workshops. The centre is suitable for children between 2 and 13 years and serves as a wondrous arena for family outings, school field trips, and homeschool groups.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
7. Visit The Varsity Centre
Photo: John Loo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Varsity Centre is found at South Illinois Avenue right in downtown Carbondale, and this vibrant arts venue is indeed housed in a structure with history, namely the Varsity Theatre. Originally, since 1940, it was a movie theatre, but now it has been converted into a multipurpose cultural space that hosts live music, theatre performances, indie film screenings, and community events. With spaces like the black box theatre, main stage, and gallery areas meant to support local artists and performers, this is an arts venue that is managed by a non-profit organisation.
Timings: Varies
8. Walk The SIU Campus Lake Trail
Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Campus Lake Trail is a scenic walking and biking loop that is 2 miles long and circles Campus Lake on the SIU Carbondale campus. Very popular with students and residents, the trail offers beautiful sights, especially in fall when the foliage is peaking. The trail is paved and nearly flat, making it suitable for any age and fitness level. Attractions along the route include benches, picnic tables, exercise stations, and native wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and herons. The trailhead is near the Recreation Center, which provides nearby parking. It is a favourite place for morning joggers, dog walkers, and leisurely post-class strolls.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
9. Shop At The Carbondale Community Farmers Market
Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A great way to support local farmers and artisans, and small businesses is by going to the Carbondale Community Farmers Market, which is held at the Carbondale Community High School in colder months and often takes place at the Town Square Pavilion during the warmer months. Every Saturday, it brings together great products such as fresh produce, baked goods, handmade soaps, preserves, dairy items, and locally made crafts; with live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities, a great family feeling is created. It opens its doors all year round, living up to LINK cards and double-value coupons to ensure every income level is welcome here.
Timings: Sat, 8 AM – 12 PM
10. Visit The SIU Recreation Centre
Photo: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is located on the SIU Carbondale campus and is an extensive fitness and wellness facility for students, staff, and the public available on a free basis: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a rock climbing wall, an indoor running track, racquetball and basketball courts, free weights, and cardio equipment. Group fitness classes include yoga, Zumba, spinning, and other strength training. From personal training to wellness programs, available at the facility, sports tournaments and intramural events are frequently held here. Locker rooms, equipment rentals, and accessible parking make this a convenient option for everyone.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM (Monday to Friday)
Illinois, a contemporary yet traditional site, welcomes the tourists with a holistic experience of culture, nature and its native. The best things to do in Carbondale, IL include indulging in relaxation, getting an inspiring muse, or making a taste of hometown life. Plan a trip with Tripxl for travel hacks, or anything else you may want to start flocking in this Southern Illinois gem with confidence and ease.
Cover Photo: Paul Sableman / Wikimedia Commons
